August 17, 2005. A cold front rumbled through southern Rhode Island early
this week, with reports of hail, strong winds and multiple
inches of rain. Not in our garden. We had a few impressive
lightning strikes, close enough to send the cats and dog under
the furniture. Unfortunately the accompanying rain was minimal,
and did little to revive the gardens. The resulting cooler
temperatures did help to revive the gardeners though.

Our "rock garden", which we call Zenhenge, continues to
flourish in spite of the drought. The three stones, that run
east to west, cast shadows that line up exactly, in the
early morning, on the equinox. A daily raking, for the
gardeners benefit, is all the care this garden requires

The gardens continue to attract a variety of birds and
insects, due to the diversity of plants growing in our yard.
All are welcome. Even though we have had our share pests, no
crops have been so seriously damaged that we felt the need
for drastic measures. So far, Asian beetles have been the
most prevalent, but seem to be running their course. Most of
the plants they have been feeding on are now making a
comeback.

It is especially important in dry weather to make sure there
is plenty of fresh water for the birds. We have a total of
five baths at different heights throughout the gardens, and
we change the water frequently. This beautiful bronze shell
was made for us by our friend Sharon, who owns the Mystic
River Foundry in Mystic Ct. Every time I think it's too hot
in the garden, I think of how Sharon must be feeling in the
considerably hotter surroundings that she works in.

To see other things that they do at the foundry, or to
contact them go to:

Earlier this month, I visited the URI Master Gardener
Demonstration Vegetable Garden at East Farm in South
Kingston, RI. I had a chance to speak with Rudi Hempe, who
is the president of the URI Master Gardener Association. Not
only are they doing some innovative experiments with organic
and sustainable gardening methods, but they donate all of
the fresh produce to local food banks. I hope to do a
feature article on this subject. In the mean time, I would
encourage you to visit them if you are in the area.